Maisie is an adorable and active dog who also happened to be born both deaf and blind. Maisie is known as a double merle dog, the result of breeding two blue merle dogs together (generally regarded as poor breeding practice). Double merles are prone to both...
The warm spring weather means that flea and tick season is coming! Topical spot products are the preferred treatment for many dog and cat owners. When used correctly, they can be very safe and effective. But it is possible that your individual pet may experience an...
Here are a few springtime safety tips for pet owners who enjoy spending time with their fur kids in the garden! Most dog and cat owners have a good idea about what plants are safe for their pets, and which ones can be toxic. If you...
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, heartworm is a potentially serious (even fatal) parasite that affects dogs, cats, and pets such as ferrets. In the wild, heartworm is found in many animals, including foxes, raccoons, and opossums. Mosquitoes transfer the heartworm parasite from animal to...
The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention has released the results of its 2018 Pet Obesity Survey. You can click HERE to read the full report. Here are a few interesting findings about our pets: 59.5% of cats and 55.8% of dogs are classified as either...
A new research study on personality type and cat ownership provides some interesting insights into how our personalities can impact our cats’ lives. Researchers surveyed over 3,000 UK cat owners on their personality types based on the “Big Five Inventory” Agreeableness Conscientiousness Extroversion Neuroticism Openness They also...
The American Animal Hospital Association recently updated its dental care guidelines for veterinary practitioners. They have also created a helpful factsheet for dog and cat owners based on the guidelines. Here’s what you need to know to keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy! Dental disease...
Many pet owners struggle with adverse food reactions in their dogs and cats. It can be difficult to determine what exactly is causing the reaction, and if the reaction is a sign of a food sensitivity or a true food allergy. The term cutaneous adverse food...
With the warm spring weather just around the corner, many outdoorsy dog owners are already planning this season’s outside adventures! The American Veterinary Medical Association has created a series of disease prevention tips for dog owners who take their pets hiking, backpacking, and camping. Here are some...
Animal advocates have been warning potential dog owners to avoid getting puppies from retail pet stores because they come from large scale, for profit breeding operations known as puppy mills. Now there’s another reason to say no to pet store puppies. A report on the American Veterinarian...
The human microbiome (the many microorganisms that live in and on our body) is a popular topic in science news these days. Researchers are especially interested in how the microbes that live in our intestines impact our health and well-being. Our pets have microbiomes too, and...
Cats are considered to be “seniors” when they reach 11+ years of age. Senior cats can develop a variety of chronic health problems, including: Arthritis Kidney disease Diabetes Cancer Dementia High blood pressure Thyroid disease Other common health issues seen in older cats include weight loss,...
Here’s a good word of the day for animal lovers: “zooeyia”—a combination of the Greek words for animal and health. It describes the human health benefits of companion animals. And there are a lot of them! An article for physicians in the Journal of the American...
What will the hottest pet trends be in 2019? The Michelson Found Animals Foundation surveyed 1,000 dog and cat owners and compiled a list of pet trends to watch in the coming year. Here are the highlights: Pet-related technology will play a greater role in the...
The start of a new year is the time when many us of make resolutions to take better care of our health. But what about our pets? Do your wellness plans for your best friend include getting pet health insurance? Many dog and cat owners consider...
The US Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning for pet owners about high levels of vitamin D in several brands of dry dog food. Currently, the affected dog foods are sold under the labels Nature’s Promise, Nature’s Place, Abound, ELM, ANF, Evolve, Sportsman’s Pride,...
The Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog breed in the United States for many years. We love this kind, gentle, and loving dog…but like any purebred dog, the Lab does have some inherited health issues that all owners should know about. A recent study...
In many parts of the world, fall is the time of year when mushrooms make their appearance in woods and other natural areas. Is your dog at risk of poisoning if she eats a wild mushroom while out on a walk? According to the North American...
A recent study of cats with a history of urinating outside of the litter box (called “periuria”) has shed some new light on the connection between feline health and litter box issues. A study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery examined cats from...
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently issued an animal drug safety communication about the potential neurological side effects of a class of flea and tick medication known as isoxazoline. FDA-approved isoxazoline drugs go by the brand names Bravecto, Credelio, Nexgard, and Simparica. Isoxazolines are...
Many pets require daily medication—often in the form of pills—for chronic health problems. While it’s easy for most pet owners to sneak a pill into a dog’s food and treats, pilling a cat can be more of a challenge. There are some interesting alternatives to pills...